Bio

Former Mid Michigan College Director of Athletics Greg Mallek announced the hiring of Danny Smith as the new head baseball coach in December 2024. In June 2025, Smith was named the new Athletic Director, replacing Mallek who left for another opportunity in March. 

Smith led the Laker baseball program to a 27-17 overall record and 17-8 mark in MCCAA Northern Conference play during the 2025 season. Mid finished second in the North standings behind GRCC and qualifed for the NJCAA DII Region 12 Opening Round. The Lakers lost the best of three series to Cuyahoga Community College. Smith coached five student-athletes to MCCAA honors, including Jack Nilson, David Wheeler, Justin Esch, Donovan Heugh, and Eddie McDonald. 

A veteran coach with 30+ years of experience, Smith joined Mid from Breckenridge High School, where he served as an assistant coach with the varsity program since 2022. With the Huskies, Smith helped the team to a MHSAA District title in 2022. 

Smith also has plenty of experience in the college ranks, serving as an assistant coach at Saginaw Valley State University from 2008-2011, and as the head coach at fellow MCCAA member Delta College from 2011-2020. 

During his time at Delta, Smith had plenty of success, leading the Pioneers to a 239-177 overall record in nine seasons. Delta qualified for postseason play seven straight seasons and won two NJCAA Region XII championships (2017, 2019). During that 2017 season, Smith led the Pioneers to a super regional victory as well as an appearance in the NJCAA College World Series, where they finished fifth. A three-time Region XII Coach of the Year, Smith saw 84 players go on to play at four-year institutions during his time with Delta. Four of his teams at Delta were also selected as Academic All-American after posting a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. 

From 2001-2008, he served as the head coach at St. Louis High School, compiling a 174-75 record and winning four league titles and one district title. The Sharks also finished ranked in the top 10 in the state five out of eight seasons during Smith's tenure, and were named MHSBCA Academic All-State three straight seasons (2006, 2007, 2008). 

Smith also had assistant coaching stops at Edmore Montabella, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, and Alma High School. He has also been a summer ball coach and player with the St. Louis Spirits of the Gratiot County League since 2001, leading the team to a 371-179 record as coach, with four playoff titles and eight regular season titles.

Danny graduated from Breckenridge High School before playing college baseball at Olivet College where he received his Bachelors Degree in Business Communication.  He graduated from Central Michigan University in 2015 with a Masters degree in Administration.  He resides in North Porter with his wife of 24 years, Mindy.  They have three children together: Summer (Olivet College '25) Allison (University of Missouri '27) and Truman (Breckenridge HS '29).